VETERAN’S SPORTS SOUTHEAST

OVERVIEW

MISSION

BACKGROUND

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

VSSE OBJECTIVES

2013 VSSE GOALS

MISSION

A SPORTS ADVOCACY GROUP TO: Assist in the recovery and

rehabilitation of wounded and injured military veterans

Enrich the lives of wounded warriors, veterans, and members of the active component through participation in sport

Promote a healthy lifestyle that ultimately improves life - long health

BACKGROUND

R2RFL established August 2010 to promote cycling to assist in the recovery of wounded veterans

R2RFL transitions into R2RSE in 2011 to expand its programs throughout the Southeast region

BACKGROUND

2010 - 2012 Accomplishments Helped establish cycling programs for Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) at

Ft Stewart, GA; Ft Benning, GA; Ft Jackson, SC; Ft Gordon, GA; Ft Knox, KY; and Ft Campbell, KY

Coordinated the donation of additional bicycles and cycling gear to every WTU in the Southeast

Arranged cost-free participation for WWs in 55 cycling events throughout the Southeast

Arranged WW participation in 6 cost-free cycling weekends hosted by charitable organizations in AL, SC, and FL

Arranged bicycle maintenance support for WTUs at Ft Stewart and Ft Benning

Established a mentorship cycling program for WWs at Ft Stewart and Ft Benning

Assisted medically retired WWs acquire cycling equipment from the VA

BACKGROUND

2013 R2RSE transitions to VSSE: Offer additional sporting opportunities Provide opportunities to work with other charitable organizations that focus on

improving the lives of WWs Provide athletic opportunities for veterans and members of the active

component

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

Coordinate WW participation in recreational running and cycling events in FL, GA, AL, and SC (southeast) and, when requested, provide liaison between event directors, other charitable organizations, WWs, and military units in TN, NC, VA, and KY

Actively work with other charitable organizations whose goals include enriching the lives of veterans, and members of the active component through participation in sport

Provide active mentorship programs that encourage physical conditioning, improve physical and psychological health, and promote physical activity as a way of life

Coordinate outreach programs in local communities designed to achieve VSSE objectives

VSSE OBJECTIVES

Assist WWs recover from all physical and psychological wounds and injuries:

Running and cycling are activities most patients can participate in Exercise strengthens muscle tissue, helps reduce stress, depression and anxiety (PTSD) Exercise generates new brain cells and may reverse the consequences of brain injury Group activity helps re-socialization and reintegration into society by providing a sense

of accomplishment, camaraderie, pride, and normalcy

Introduce WWs, veterans, and members of the active component to sporting events designed to enrich their lives and promote a healthy lifestyle

Continued participation in sporting events leads to improved health over an individual’s entire lifespan

VSSE OBJECTIVES

Coordinate cost-free participation in recreational running and cycling events for WWs and reduced-fee participation for veterans and current members of the military

Provide active mentorship programs that encourage physical conditioning, improve physical and psychological health, and promote physical activity as a way of life

VSSE OBJECTIVES

Obtain the assistance of other community-based groups and charitable organizations to accomplish the aforementioned objectives

Educate the public and members of the military about the physical and psychological values of physical activity

2013 VSSE GOALS

Continue support for Warrior Transition Units in the Southeast Continue current relationships with cycling event directors and establish

new relationships with directors of running events in the Southeast Coordinate participation in monthly recreational running and cycling

events throughout the southeast that enrich the lives of all participants, raise the awareness of the physical and psychological values of physical activity, promote VSSE goals, and provide sporting event opportunities for all participants

Currently Scheduled EventsTri-states 100 (cycling) Dothan, AL 6 AprilWheels of Fire (cycling) Hamilton, GA TBD AprilBoll Weevil (running and cycling)

Enterprise, AL TBD May

Hot 100 (cycling) Tuscaloosa, AL 27 JulyFlight of the Dove (cycling) Clinton, SC TBD AugustSeminole Cyclefest (cycling) Sanford, FL TBD November

Potential Spring Cycling Events

Best Dam Ride Clarks Hill, SC 21 Apr Little Mountain Tour de Cure Little Mountain, SC 4 MayBikes Galore Cycle Tour Warrenton, GA 4 May Jackson Brevet Braselton, GA 18 June

2013 VSSE GOALS

Potential Spring Running Events

Chesty Puller 5K and Half Marathon (cross country) Ft Benning, GA 6 Apr Climb the Clay Columbia, SC 13 AprCody’s Run Columbus, GA 13 AprRun United Aiken, SC 20 AprWynnton UMC Midtown Classic Columbus, GA 27 Apr Race to the River Columbia, SC 27 Apr Tybee Turtle Trot (beach run) Tybee Island, GA 27 Apr Pinch Gut Puffer Augusta, GA 4 MayTurtle Crawl 5K Jekyll Island, GA 18 MayTrot to Clot Walk and Run Columbus, GA 1 JuneYankee Doodle Dash Martinez, GA 4 July Summer Sizzler 5K Savannah, GA 13 July Wounded Military Heroes 5K Savannah, GA 27 July

2013 VSSE GOALS

Build on existing relationships with charitable organizations currently supporting VSSE and establish new working relationships with other charitable organizations

Establish active mentorship programs for WWs, veterans, and members of the active military who seriously desire to pursue a healthy lifestyle through participation in sporting event activities

2013 VSSE GOALS

Secure additional funding for VSSE programs from community sponsors, organized sporting events, and charitable donations

Continue to assist charitable organizations to purchase and donate rehabilitative sporting equipment to WW organizations and selected individuals

Ft. GordonWounded Warriorswith bikes donated by the Lion’s Clubof Enterprise, AL.

2013 VSSE GOALS

Create outreach programs in local communities designed to achieve the objectives of VSSE

Assist sporting event directors in providing a meaningful experience for WWs, veterans, and members of the active component participating in their event

Liaise with local sports clubs, sporting event organizers, and businesses to secure additional discounts for veterans and members of the active component